Thanksgiving Guide: All You Need to Know About Turkey Day Deals and Destinations

November 13, 2015

If the thought of an eight-hour layover followed by your drunk uncle’s ode to Donald Trump doesn’t exactly ignite the spirit of American heritage, you may want to consider the many other tasty alternatives to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are 10 great ideas:

If you want to spend the actual holiday helping people, but still want to eat a Thanksgiving-style meal, head to:Angel of Harlem, 2272 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Monday November 23 and Tuesday November 24
Instead of staying open on Thanksgiving, Angel of Harlem will be closed so chef Max Hardy and his staff can volunteer nearby at The Food Bank for New York City. Guests who wish to do the same can eat a few days in advance with a $45 per person pre-fix menu. The selection includes white cheddar mac n’ cheese, citrus and herb roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing, and braised short rib.

If you want to go out the night before, but can’t stand your hometown bar, head to:Grand Ferry Tavern, 229 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, Wednesday November 25, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Pre-game Thanksgiving eve with an all-day oyster happy hour, wine specials, and a $20 prix fixe menu. Dinner includes a draft cocktail, the Grand Ferry burger with fries, and bourbon ice cream. Oyster platters will be half-price during happy hour and range from $17.60 to $32.50, while any bottle noted on the wine list will be 50% off.

If you want to walk away with more than just leftover turkey, head to: Artisanal Bistro, 2 Park Avenue, Thursday November 26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to a five course prix fixe for $85 – 2 courses for $60 per child – each table receives a complimentary wine and cheese basket to take home. Guests can reserve two hour seatings beginning at 11 a.m., with the final seating taking place at 7 p.m..

If you want to re-enact the Mayflower voyage, head to:The Water Table, West Street at India Street, Brooklyn, Thursday November 26, 4 to 7 p.m.
Set sail for Lady Liberty while enjoying Thanksgiving on the East River. For $95, pretend you’re a millennial pilgrim with a four-course dinner highlighted by greenmarket pretzels with maple mustard, organic turkey, and garlic mashed potatoes. Drinks – which are not included in the cost of a ticket – are available for purchase on board. Hop aboard here.

If you want a celebrity chef to do the cooking, head to:Jams by Jonathan Waxman, 1 Hotel Central Park, Thursday November 26, 1414 6th Avenue
A nearby option if you plan on watching the Macy’s parade, diners can warm their bones with a a three-course dinner for $85 per person ($35 per child). The table setting includes Parker House rolls, pumpkin lasagna, and either turkey breast with sourdough bread budding, baked cod, or potato gnocchi. All traditional sides will be served family-style.

If you like turkey, but really prefer seafood, head to:
The Clam, 420 Hudson Street, Thursday November 26
If the bird is decidedly not the word in your family, settle down with baked littleneck clams accompanied by pancetta and crab and stuffed Maine lobster as part of a three course $90 prix fix menu ($25 for children). Desserts include pumpkin pudding with gingerbread cookies and spiced cream and hazelnut cheesecake.

If you want a European twist on an American holiday, head to: Socarrat Restaurants, 259 W 19th Street; 284 Mulberry Street; 953 2nd Avenue, 12 to 9 p.m.
For $55, give Thanksgiving a Mediterranean twist with a variety of paellas, pan-seared lamb chops, and seafood casserole. The restaurant is also offering turkey stuffed with chorizo, apple, and dried cranberry as part of its three-course menu. Wine pairings are available for an additional $42.

If you usually celebrate Thanksgiving with a Tofurky, head to:
by CHLOE, 185 Bleecker Street, throughout November
If the thought of eating a gentle gobbler is too much to bear, grab a vegan-friendly Thanksgiving burger to dine in or bring to mom and dad’s. The patty is made with lemon-caper seitan and topped with kale, stuffing, rosemary gravy, and a fresh cranberry sauce.

If you need a gluten-free Thanksgiving, head to:Madison Square Tavern, 150 West 30th Street
For $50, families with gluten-free eaters can avoid gravy drama by heading to this restaurant for butternut squash soup, sautéed red snapper with blood-orange butter, baked ham, or organic turkey. The restaurant is ending its three-course meal with a choice of chocolate bread pudding or roast pears with vanilla and coconut sorbet.

If you don’t like restaurant food, but hate cooking large meals, head to:Foragers Market, 56 Adams Street, Brooklyn and 300 West 22 Street
Grab a pre-carved local turkey, Cape Cod cranberries, New York apples, and pies from Four & Twenty Blackbirds at these DUMBO and Chelsea markets. Thanksgiving dinners can be ordered a la carte to your specific needs or chosen from a few themed dinner packages such as traditional and vegan. Wine pairings are also available upon request.

If you like restaurant food, but would prefer eating at home, head to:
Donovan’s Pub, 57-24 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, Thursday, 11 a.m.
Grab your brother-in-law or daughter’s unsuspecting boyfriend and pick up a whole roasted turkey, sides, and sauces from this longstanding Irish favorite, which is offering meals for parties ranging from four to 16 people. Dinner packages – which range from $189 to $432 – include a whole roasted turkey, a choice of salad, a choice of four side orders, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Orders must be placed by Tuesday November 24 for pick-up on Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m..

If you’re just responsible for dessert, head to:
Bien Cuit, 120 Smith Street, Brooklyn, Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m./7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on ThanksgivingIf you want to steal the show, pre-order pies or buttermilk biscuits to pick up starting Tuesday November 24. The bakery is offering two nine inch pies – cocoa nib pecan and pumpkin caramel – for $35 each; buttermilk biscuits are $16.50 for a dozen.